Chapter 19: Ransom

"Why did you let them take our daughter, Drew?" Anger and extreme concern are what I feel now for myself and for my daughter.

I promised to accompany her and protect her against anyone, but I did not do so because of my negligence. I'd chose to go home than stay with Sunny.

"I'm sorry, I fell asleep." His response was weak. I can also see that he still doesn't seem to be on his own. I have nothing else to blame here but myself. Maybe Drew is right before, that I am a worthless mother for our daughter. I'm such a worthless momma for her.

"But don't worry—"

"You said that before, Drew! But what happened? Did you do something? Drew our daughter is sick! Sunny is sick!"

I couldn't control my emotions so I shouted at Drew. I'm in a mess right now. I don't know what to prioritize with the amount of problems I'm facing right now.

Mainly is the problem with my parent's death.

Grace was second, shot by Belle, and this is now... Aunt Fely's taking Sunny away from me.

"I'm sorry—"

"I'm sorry, again? What will gonna do of your fvcking sorry, Drew? Has anything changed?" I was frustrated to shout at him as I messed up my hair. I was really hopeless now! I don't know what to do anymore.

"Let's just wait for their call." He said calmly. I was stunned and turned to him.

"Really, Drew? Why does it seemed nothing to you, don't you just think they took Sunny? Why Drew? Don't you love our daughter?" I asked a series of questions that surprised him.

"Of course I love our daughter! So I'll do everything for her! Even though I've only just met her, I love her so much Sydney right away! So I hope you don't question my love for her!" I realized what Drew was shouting. My whole body was shaking because of the mixed emotions I was feeling. I just bowed down because I couldn't think of anything else.

"I'm sorry for shouting you—I didn't mean it." He says pleadingly. I was speechless. I just let my tears flow.

He hugged me tightly and kissed my forehead.

"Let's go." I'm not on my own self as I followed him quietly. I didn't know where we were going, as long as I just followed him. We ended up inside his car.

My spirit seemed to be awakened by the loud ringing of my phone.

"Hello?" My voice trembled opening at the unknown number that called me.

"Sydney my dear? How are you? Are you looking for your beloved daughter? Well, well, well! She's in my hand, my dearest niece!" She laughed, that annoying laugh. If I could just hurt her with my cellphone I would have done it before.

"You are shameless! Why did you take my daughter here? You are so heartless!" Whatever I try to make my voice bold because of the anger I feel towards her now, I can't do—because my love for my daughter softens it. I just realized that I was crying and begging my aunt Fely to give Sunny back to me.

"Poor you, awww." She teased as if I was just a child.

"Give her back to me!" I shouted but she only answered me with a series of laughs.

"Five hundred million pesos, Sydney! In exchange for your daughter's life." I could not speak from what I heard. Even a million I don't have. Where can I get five hundred million? Is she crazy, already?

"Not only that, I also want the title of the company owned by the Claveria's in Palawan. Tell Andrew to give me the documents of Paradise Island Resort in Palawan, and take note, it should be named after my husband. Do you understand Sydney my dear?"

"You're an animal! An animal!" I repeatedly shouted at her over the phone.

"All right! Give us your exact location and what time." Andrew said calmly to my surprise.

"Are you insane?" I asked him in whispered.

"Our daughter's life depends on it, Sydney." I nodded.

"Opps! I want you to be the alone Sydney to come to me. You, yourself will bring the ransom I demand." She added that I was stunned.

"Fine!" Drew shouted loudly.

"Good. Then, we're fine." Aunt Fely was the first to drop the call. It was only then that I breathed a sigh of relief after our conversation.

I looked at Drew as he took my hand and gently squeezed it.

"Everything's gonna be fine. Just trust him," he pointed to the image of Papa God hanging on the front of his car. Even if I wanted to smile back at Drew I couldn't because of the nervous and fear I am feeling.